It is impossible to imagine a modern home without electrical appliances. Therefore, each house, apartment, rooms and non-residential areas must be equipped with a significant number of access points to the electricity network - sockets. With the development of technology, the original versions are being replaced by new, more advanced models - external, double, with the provided grounding.
When can I install overhead type sockets
In order to make a choice and choose the right devices, you need to understand what are the main differences between overhead (external) type devices from internal ones. The most significant points:
- At the first type of outlets, all key parts are located inside the plastic case.
- Surface mounted models do not require surface chipping.
- Outdoor devices do not require an additional niche or socket.
When developing the initial plan, such access points usually do not provide, if it is possible to make built-in, less noticeable devices. The disadvantage is a significant "bulge" relative to the wall. However, in some cases, an external outlet is the only option:
- Finishing work was completed, but there was a need for an access point to the power grid in a new place.
- The coating does not provide for gating: tiles, tiles, panels.
- The thickness of the walls makes it impossible to hide devices and wires.
Users and professionals note some disadvantages during operation. For example, rapid wear and tear and loss of original equipment. In case of damage, you can get an electric shock - all the key elements are outside.
Recommendations for location, use
An external outlet is considered an excellent option for private residential buildings and farm buildings: a barn, a garage, greenhouses, a street kitchen, other open areas). For such structures, it makes no sense to lay a separate cable and conduct electrics. Devices and wires are attached to small studs.
When installing an external outlet with grounding, it is necessary to take into account the patency of the room area. It is impossible to fix the device next to doorposts, it is advisable to “cover” it with furniture: for example, at a desk or dining table - access and additional protection.
Power outlet device
The consignment socket has a simple structure, which differs little in different models. Mandatory elements:
- The case is an external protective part, made of plastic: it burns quickly, cheap emits toxins when heated; polycarbonate: the best option - heat-resistant, durable; ceramics: more reliable, does not heat up, minus - fragility. Current-generating elements are mounted on the inside.
- The immediate mechanism is brass or bronze elements in the complex. The latter are extremely rare, but more reliable. Mandatory part - grounding: protects equipment and users from electric shocks.
- A panel is an external part that defines design. In most cases, made of polycarbonate, expensive "designer" models can be made of glass, wood, metal and other materials.
The external double socket has no distinctive elements. Thanks to a simple device without the need for gating and finishing, independent installation is available without the involvement of professional electricians.
Constructive Varieties
A variety of types of equipment requires an appropriate number of types of patch outlets with grounding. This is especially striking to travelers - there are twelve standards for the production of such devices. For example, devices with plugs from Russia cannot be used in Israel, England, Switzerland and many other countries.
An important point is the technical characteristics: voltage, frequency. The classic version - overhead electric double socket with a rating of 220V - designed for appliances with power up to 3.5 kW. The limitation is due to the fact that household equipment can not cope with a current strength above 16A.
Also, access points to the power grid vary in number per modular unit. Often use single and double sockets, less often - triple and quadruple.
Modern devices complement related functions. For example, an RCD is built in or equipped with special curtains that hide holes from children, dust.
Degree of protection
The level of protection for outlets indoors and outdoors is different. On the case it is designated by letters IP and numbers. The first is protection against solid pollution, the second against liquid .. It is important to consider these parameters when installing devices on the street, in rooms with high humidity (bath, bathtub). Suitable data are from IP44 to IP68.
A patch outlet with a cover is more suitable for installation outside the building, especially if it is planned to be used infrequently. It is forbidden to buy cheap options - poor-quality materials with a low margin of safety can lead to fire, short circuit, and other problems.
Outlet selection
Before buying, you need to find out the voltage and current in the existing network. An important point is the way of fixing the cables. Screws are more durable, keyboards quickly weaken. Device Categories:
- single - size height / width up to 7/5 cm, one plug;
- angular;
- double - connectors for two plugs;
- sockets with additional protection: curtains that automatically close the entrances;
- decorative patterns - thin, of various shapes, colors, materials.
Double sockets with grounding are selected in accordance with the conditions of use, power indicators.
Outlet Installation
To the outdoor unit, the wires are held without gating the walls, fixed with small studs with hooks. Special plastic channels save from damage. Bottom fixed baseboards with recesses for cable placement. Layout recommendations:
- can not be installed near heating appliances, stove;
- from water sources - at least 30 cm;
- height is calculated taking into account the needs of users.
Recently, sockets are often installed near switches.
Power outage
Compliance with safety standards and requirements is the first item. Disconnect the area where the outlet will be connected and installed. The power on the landing is turned off, if the installation is made in an apartment, the switches of the machine are switched to the off position.
If there is any doubt about the desired plug, it is necessary to turn off each one at a time and check the availability of electricity in existing sockets and switches.
Place marking and preparations
It is necessary to prepare the socket: remove the top cover, push the latches (for example, with a screwdriver). Then the device is divided into parts - the panel, the main mechanism and the body.
On the wall, first of all, they mark the places for the fixing holes. You can align using a special device - level. Marks are put with a pencil, then make connectors (drill, drill). For concrete walls, dowel nails are used, in wooden coatings - screws.
Attaching the working part
After preparing the holes, you can proceed to directly fix the outlet. The mechanism is installed and leveled, fixed with dowels and screws. Check the tightness of the base - pull, move. Distances and movements should not be.
Wire preparation
Cable - fixing and eyeliner is one of the most critical steps in connecting the outlet. The wires inside must be stripped at least 1 cm before the appearance of a metal core. There are three types of wires in the device:
- phase - red, sometimes black or brown;
- zero - blue, blue with white;
- for grounding - green with yellow.
Prepared cables are passed through the recesses in the housing, and, if necessary, shortened to the desired length.
Terminal Features
Terminals are special clamps or screws that press the bare part of the cable product to the conductive plate. Sockets are best chosen with screw terminals. The clamps quickly fail - due to constant pressure weaken, as a result of which contact is lost. It is already impossible to fix such an outlet; a complete replacement is required.
Mechanism connection
If in the building wiring only two guide cables are wound - phase and neutral - the third will remain unclaimed. You cannot connect the ground to the outlet. In the presence of a three-wire wire, it is required to determine the grounding and insulate it.
Cables are connected by color. The connection can be checked with a multimeter or other similar devices.
Cover installation
The external panel is mounted in different ways, depending on the type of outlet installed. The classic version - a white plastic block - must be placed on top of the case and pressed until a distinctive click is heard.
Verification of work is the final stage. They turn on the machines on a common-house transformer, check the contacts with a special device or by directly turning on the equipment. In the second case, if the connection is incorrect, the device may burn out.
Installing an outlet is a straightforward procedure. If you first familiarize yourself with the rules and safety requirements, study the structure of the device, everyone can connect an additional external power source.
